For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.

Lafon's 2018 Monthélie Les Duresses has turned out very well, bursting with aromas of sweet red berries, cherries, peonies and a subtle touch of oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with melting tannins and a generous core of succulent fruit.

Vines aged 30+ years. The vineyard faces east and is late ripening so is always the last to be picked. Barrel sample. Deep cherry red. Lightly spiced dark-red fruit, both juicy and savoury with that darker fruit character. Light extraction and the vintage have given light tannins that are already silky. Fresh, a little bit more tannic chew as it builds in the mouth and a fresh spicy finish. Lafon has experimented with whole-bunch fermentation for part of the Monthelie and will probably include the few barrels into the final blend. On their own, this component was a little dry on the finish but I think it could contribute a little bit of seasoning to the whole. (JH)